reef
2[ reef ]
/ rif /
noun
a part of a sail that is rolled and tied down to reduce the area exposed to the wind.
verb (used with object)
to shorten (sail) by tying in one or more reefs.
to reduce the length of (a topmast, a bowsprit, etc.), as by lowering, sliding inboard, or the like.
to pull (old oakum) out of seams, as with a rave hook (often followed by out).
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Nearby words
reedley, reedling, reedman, reeducate, reedy, reef, reef knot, reef point, reef whitetip shark, reefer, reeffish
Origin of reef
21350–1400; Middle English refe (noun) < Dutch reef
Related forms
un·reefed, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for reefing
British Dictionary definitions for reefing (1 of 3)
reef
1/ (riːf) /
noun
a ridge of rock, sand, coral, etc, the top of which lies close to the surface of the sea
a ridge- or mound-like structure built by sedentary calcareous organisms (esp corals) and consisting mainly of their remains
a vein of ore, esp one of gold-bearing quartz
Word Origin for reef
C16: from Middle Dutch ref, from Old Norse rif rib 1, reef ²
British Dictionary definitions for reefing (2 of 3)
reef
2/ (riːf) nautical /
noun
the part gathered in when sail area is reduced, as in a high wind
verb
to reduce the area of (sail) by taking in a reef
(tr) to shorten or bring inboard (a spar)
Word Origin for reef
C14: from Middle Dutch rif; related to Old Norse rif reef, rib 1, German reffen to reef; see reef 1
British Dictionary definitions for reefing (3 of 3)
Reef
/ (riːf) /
noun the Reef
another name for the Great Barrier Reef
another name for the Witwatersrand
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medicine definitions for reefing
reefing
[ rē′fĭng ]
n.
Surgical reduction of the extent of a tissue by folding it and securing with sutures.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for reefing
reef
[ rēf ]
A strip or ridge of rocks, sand, or coral that rises to or near the surface of a body of water. See more at coral reef.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.